Texas Cracks Down on Illegals

In Laredo, no more 'catch and release'—everyone gets jail time
By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 25, 2007 7:05 PM CST
Texas Cracks Down on Illegals
Border Patrol agents detain a family of illegal immigrants taken into custody from a car near the U.S.Mexico Border in Laredo, Texas, Friday, June 1, 2007. Laredo, one of illegal immigration's hot spot, recently instituted a zero tolerance policy. (AP Photo/LM Otero)   (Associated Press)

In Laredo, Texas, the border patrol is getting serious about illegal immigration. The longstanding “catch-and-release” policy was scrapped this month, in favor of a zero tolerance program that has clogged jails and strained courts. The Houston Chronicle looked in on a federal courthouse recently, as judges tried and sentenced immigrants 20 at a time to harsh jail stints.

“It doesn't matter if you're trying to pay off funeral expenses, or take care of a sick family member,” a judge told one prisoner. “When you cross the Rio Grande, you’re going to be spending time in prison.” Many applauded the tough stance, but mass trials made civil rights advocates queasy. “We are throwing away the Constitution for expediency,” said one. (More illegal immigrant stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X